It's been some time since we have seen a new lighting unit released from Aqua Illumination. Their sister company Ecotech have recently released their Radion G6 model, and we have been waiting patiently for AI's offering. Where we expecting the Blade though....probably not!
In recent years (it feels like forever now) LED light manufacturers, particularly those that have focussed on the marine and reef side of the hobby, have been producing single-unit led lighting fixtures, of which you use multiples over an aquarium, and these are usually mounted via an arm attached to your glass, or in some cases a hanging kit.
It was part of the shift away from aquariums with hoods, pelmets and lighting that sat inside them. All in an effort to offer a slick modern, open-topped aquarium, but what was lost in the process was the led strip light, at least at the specs we aquarists wanted.
The new Blade sets out to change this, with a return to LED light bars that sit across the aquarium 'side to side' it's not only styling that the Blade plans to revolutionise, there's more...
Four Models
Available in four different models, Blade Grow - is designed to be your standard 'reef & marine' type lighting, with led colour choices focussed on growing your corals. Blade Glow- which is packed with blue, purple and UV LEDs, is designed to give your corals maximum pop! Blade Refugium - as the name suggests, focuses on growing algae & the Blade Freshwater- is ideal for planted aquariums.
Controllability
Now it gets better, if the standard colour spectrum that each light puts out isn't exactly what you are looking for, each model can be wirelessly controlled via either the MyAI or Mobius apps, which means you can tailor your lights to the exact output you want!
Sizes & Mounting
The Grow, Glow & Freshwater models come in a HUGE range of sizes, 6 to be exact, ranging from 12 inches up to 66 inches. This means that there really is a light for all aquarium sizes out there, and if your aquarium is particularly deep (front to back) you just use more.
Add to this the range of mounting options, whether that's the included low profile mounts, the elevated mounting arms, hanging kits, or the flexible and customizable M8 thread on the end of each unit, you can quite literally mount these units, either singularly or multiple HOWEVER you want! There is also an option to use the Blade LED as supplementary lighting on your existing led fixture.AI may have released the most flexible LED light to date.
Spread, Spectrum and PAR
One of the most important components of LED lighting is the optics and lens. Edgefield™ technology incorporated in the Blade delivers even PAR, smooth colour mixing and exceptional spread. Blade units utilise what AI is calling 'Edgefield optics', designed exclusively for the Blade, they provide an incredible, 95-degree spread while achieving unmatched light mixing along the length of the blade. This means even PAR and super smooth colour mixing. The custom specular exit surface presents a crisp and natural shimmer in your aquarium.
Water Resistant and Silent
AI has really focussed on maximising the passive cooling capability of the Blade LEDs. Not only does that mean the lights can maintain a super slim profile, but also means that there is no noisy cooling fan, which in the age of high-output LED lights is a big win in our books!
The units are also IP66 water resistant, meaning that the units will be built to last in the harsh environment of saltwater aquariums, hoods and cabinets.
Price Point
In the current climate, this is one of the most important questions when it comes to purchasing LED lights for your aquarium. With the 12-inch Blade lights starting at £144.99 AI has clearly been aware of how important price is to hobbyists right now.
When comparing spread, PAR output and power, the AI Blade LEDs are about as cheap as high-quality LED aquarium lighting comes, and for us that is a big win!
More info, unboxing videos and reviews coming soon, but for more information on the Blade LEDs, or to pre-order your light and secure stock from the first delivery into the UK click here - https://charterhouse-aquatics.com/shop/aquatics/lighting/blade
Is the way we light our aquariums about to change?
